The Myers’ injection was pioneered by Dr John Myers, who used intravenous vitamins and minerals in his treatment regimes. A modified Myers regime was then developed by Dr Alan Gaby, MD, that typically included magnesium, calcium, thiamine, B12, B complex, vitamin C, which he found to frequently improve a wide variety of conditions such as acute migraines, fatigue, fibromyalgia, acute muscle spasm, chronic sinusitis, and seasonal allergic rhinitis (Gaby, A, Nutritional Medicine 2nd Ed).

Modified Myers’ ingredients: May contain magnesium, calcium, Vitamin C, B-complex, B6, B5. Formulation is modified to better meet patient case specifics. This may be diluted to ~35mL with sterile water and given as an IV push, or push into 100mL saline and given slower as an IV drip.

Myers’ injection safety:

Generally well tolerated by most patients in our experience. Dr Alan Gaby (MD) boasts that he had no adverse reactions in approximately 15,000 treatments when administered with caution and respect (Gaby, Alan. Nutritional Medicine, 2nd Ed.) Extra caution should be taken in potassium depleting conditions and medications (e.g. taken potassium depleting medications; states of low potassium: potassium depleting diuretics, beta agonists, glucocorticoids, diarrhea, vomiting, malnourishment), as IV magnesium can potentially worsen low blood potassium levels (can increase risk of digoxin induced cardiac arrhythmias). Conditions in which magnesium may be omitted include Myasthenia gravis, urinary tract infections with elevated urinary phosphates, hyperparathyroidism. Lower nutrient doses may be used in mild to moderate renal insufficiency. The Modified Myers’ injection may cause a sensation of heat (from magnesium.) Low blood pressure and excessive heat may be associated with rapid injection, and higher dose of magnesium. Lower magnesium doses and slower injections (e.g. IV drip) may be indicated for those with lower blood pressure. Anaphylactic reactions to thiamine (B1) have been reported in the medical literature on the rare occasion. The Myers’ injection tends to be hypertonic (concentrated), thus tenderness, burning sensation at the injection site, vein irritation, phlebitis is possible. Often repositioning the needle in the vein or further diluting nutrients can help reduce or eliminate pain or irritation. Myers’ injection given as an IV drip (in 100cc of saline tends to be less hypertonic/concentrated).

Labs

Baseline bloodwork is run prior to any intravenous injection therapy, including by not limited to, kidney function (creatinine), liver enzymes, red/white blood cells, and other blood labs depending on the case. Thyroid hormone (blood TSH, T4, T3, reverse T3, TPO), adrenal (AM blood cortisol, 4 point salivary cortisol) and/or other lab testing may be recommended as per case history and physical exam findings, to better help elucidate attributing factors to chief concerns and presenting symptoms.

How Many Treatments Are Needed and How Often Are They Given?

The number and frequency of Modified Myers’ and other types of intravenous vitamin/mineral injections depends on the condition being treated and case specifics. Modified Myers’ injections may take as little as 10 minutes for an ‘IV push’, to 30 minutes for the Modified Myers’ drip (in 100 mL saline.) IVs with extra vitamin C typically take longer, depending on how much vitamin C is added, and the amount of fluid (vitamin C is hypertonic/quite concentrated, thus IVs are more voluminous with extra vitamin C).

Cost

Modified Myers’ injections are billed at $55-60 (IV push, IV drip respectively). Larger doses of vitamin C may be used in conjunction with typical Myers’ vitamins/minerals, and typically billed according to the dose of Vitamin C ($80-150).

In our clinical experience, we have treated a variety of conditions in which patients have received IV treatments as art of an individualised health plan. Our IV treatments are individualised to patient case specifics.

Any intravenous or invasive procedure carries risks. Many chronic conditions, including those with unclear singular or multifactorial causes, are controversial in both diagnosis and treatment standards. Be sure to seek qualified second opinions. Your family MD is a good choice, as are “Functional Medicine” MDs. Other ND’s are excellent as opinions and therapeutics vary.

The opinions expressed on these pages is representative of our professional experience and opinion. These may differ from what is considered standard or usual care.